The Friendship high way Lhasa to Kathmandu could be one of the most popular overland routes between the countries. It gives us a long picture scroll from the large cities to the remote plateau and down to the Kathmandu valley. With the elevation rising from 3650m to 5200m and descending to 1370m, you will feel like taking a roller coaster crossing the countries. 8 days you will lie on a leisure tour and take a slower pace.

Day 1 Arrival at Lhasa by flight or train [3658m]

You will be greeted by your Tibetan guide once you arrive in Lhasa Gonggar airport or train station. From airport to Lhasa city is 68km, around one hour and half drive will take you to the holy city Lhasa; from the train station it is only 15km and takes 20 minutes by drive. Afternoon, have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2 Lhasa City sightseeing [B]

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa. The circuit around the Jokhang called Barkhor Street is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Afterwards stroll on the narrow streets of Lhasa old town to meet local people and visit their markets. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 3 Lhasa sightseeing [B]

Morning you will make an excursion trip to Ganden Monastery (about 70km drive from Lhasa), which ranks the first among the six largest monasteries of Gelugpa. In addition to its magnificent architecture and religious importance, there is an extremely fabulous view on top of the Ganden Wangpo Hill, and Kyichu valley is behind Ganden monastery, it is strongly suggested to hiking around the monastery and taking a bird's-eye view of the valley. Early afternoon, drive back to Lhasa to visit Sera Monastery for its famous monks debating between 3pm to 5pm (unavailable on Sunday). Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4 Lhasa / Gyantse [3980m] , 270km, 5-6hrs drive [B]

Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise colored Lake Yamdrok Tso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass are the wonders of the day. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy drive to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. Overnight at Gyantse.

Day 5: Gyantse / Shigatse[3840m], 90km, 1.5hrs drive [B]

Morning drive to Shigatse, 90Km from Gyantse. Walk through ancient Shigatse local market while your guide process the PSB permit, afterwards visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas. After lunch, drive to Lhatse and then to New Tingri via, Gyatso La pass 5248m, which gives you distance view of Himalayan range. Overnight in Shigatse.

Early morning start driving to Rongbuk via Gawu la pass [5200m], from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt. Makalu [8463m], Mt. Lotse [8516m], Mt. Everest [8844m], Mt. Cho Oyu [8201m] and Mt. Shishapama [8020m] from Left to right, climbing down through numbers of zig-zag roads lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to today's destination - Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet and consisting both monks and nuns, it is still a good point to see Mt. Everest (the entrance fee of Rongbuk RMB25 p.p. needs to be paid on your own). Sunset at Mt. Everest is another highlight of today if the weather is good. Overnight at local tent guesthouse or Rongbuk guesthouse, (dorm beds only).

Day 7 Rongbuk / Old Tingri / Zhangmu [2300m], 280km, 6-7hrs drive

Sunrise at EBC is most popular picture spot in Tibet, If you are lucky, you will see sunrise at E.B.C. You can hike from the Tent guesthouses community to E.B.C, it will take you about 2 hours (6Km) or you can take the dedicated minibus (In winter season our driver will drive you up to Base Camp). Afterward drive to Zhangmu via Old Tingri & Nyalam, cross Thongla pass [5120m], savor the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma [8020m], Cho Oyu [8201m], Menlungtse and Gauri, the road driving over the pass of Tongla is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and it is like a road to the sky. Overnight at Zhangmu.

Day 8 After breakfast, your guide will help you to clear the customs & end the trip [B]

Tips: After you cross the "Friendship Bridge" and enter Nepal, you need clear customs at the Nepal Immigration office. It is easier to apply the Nepal visa at the border, 30US$ for 15 days 1 passport size photo is needed. After the immigration process, you can start your journey to Kathmandu. Outside of the Immigration office, there are lots of taxis or buses waiting for the passengers to Kathmandu, you can take a car with other passengers at a price about 600-900RS (about 15-20USD) each person.

Lhasa train station transfer and the private airport transfer at your request

Optional attractions that are not specified in the itinerary

Meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary

Flight or train tickets into and out of Lhasa

Tips for the guide and driver

※What is a Private Tour?

A Private Tibet Tour Package means you will have your own private guide, driver, and vehicle for your own disposal. You don't have to share the vehicle with others even if you are a single traveler. You would have full attention of your guide and driver. Our professional guide would love to share local culture, knowledge and stories.

Your private guide would also help you make an easier, comfortable, flexible and enjoyable tour. You can stop on the road to get a rest or take pictures during the drive. You have the flexibility of changing the visiting order of attractions or extending the visiting time at some tourist sites.

When traveling with your family or friends, a private tour would be your first choice.

※Arrival Pick-up / Departure See-off

We will arrange the private airport or train station pick-up and see-off for you. Upon your arrival in Lhasa, you can find our guide waiting at the pick-up area, holding a name sign, welcome you with a warm smile. You will be transferred to hotel. Drink more water, get enough rest, take some time to acclimatize to the high altitude on the first day of your arrival.

※Accommodation Choices

For private tour, we can arrange hotels according to your requirements. There are options of budget guesthouse, 3 star hotel, 4 star hotel, high-end luxury hotel or bouquet heritage hotel. If you have your own preferred hotel, just let us know, we will help you with the booking, everything would be arranged as per your interests.

※Meal Choices

Our tour packages generally include breakfasts. Meanwhile, lunches and dinners are optional to be arranged either by yourself or by us.

It’s easy to find nice restaurants in Lhasa, and you could also ask for suggestions from your guide. They always know where you can find something tasty.

The price would be different according to different food:

1. If you choose noodles, around RMB 10-15 per person.

2. If you like some fast food like KFC, around RMB 20-35 per person.

3. If you prefer some food at a decent restaurant, around RMB 50-70 per person.

4. The local Tibetan hotpot, around RMB 80-100 per person. That is a really good one too!